Printer Version | Search Articles | Email Article | More Articles By This Author

The Power Of Thank You In Your Sales Career

By Lynn Mattoon
Beyond.com

Share   

Saying "thank you" and finding ways to show appreciation will never fail to serve you in your sales career. From interviews for sales jobs to client interaction to working with all levels of staff within your company, remembering to thank others is crucial to your success.

Most of us were very well-trained by our parents in saying "thank you" when someone does something for us or gives something to us, but how can you show your appreciation in a way that helps you to really make connections and build relationships? We're talking about going beyond the conditioned, robotic response.

Powerful Thank You Guidelines
1. Be Specific - rather than just saying "thank you" or using a generic statement like, "thank you for taking the time to meet with me," be specific. Take a job interview follow-up as an example: "Thank you for giving me the opportunity to discuss how I can add value to your organization. I appreciate the time you took to go over Company X's goals. In my experience, it is not often that a hiring manager makes the effort to provide candidates with such insight."

2. Be Sincere - in order to offer sincere thanks to employers, clients, or coworkers you need to be a keen observer. No one wants a phony compliment and don't believe you can get away with it. Once you're pegged for trying to schmooze someone for your own benefit, it isn't easily forgotten or forgiven. It's time to train your brain to notice the positive qualities and actions of the people around you. Believe it or not, most people have them! We live in a civilized society so the vast majority of people do make efforts to have things run smoothly. You may think a member of your sales team is a savage, but if you take the time to notice his or her efforts, you might be surprised. Give sincere, specific appreciation to those around you. You might even start looking at the world in a new way!

3. Be Creative - in our busy lives and especially our sales jobs, we don't always think we have the time to recognize others. Rule #1: there should never be a time when you are too busy to at least say "thank you." But what about those times when you should take go to extra efforts to show your appreciation in a memorable way?

• The Gift: both small and large gifts may be an appropriate way to thank a staff member who has helped you, especially if you've received great benefits from their efforts. Personalized gifts or those specific to the person's interests, or even wildly creative ones are sure to work well and be remembered. Stay away from those "World's Best Assistant" coffee mugs!


• The Written Word: these days it isn't often we receive a hand-written note. Thanking your customer in actual writing shows that you took extra time in thinking about them and thanking them. As always, be specific and be sincere.


• The Meal: take them out to lunch or dinner. Bring in breakfast. Give them a gift certificate to a restaurant. Everyone eats. If you're eating with them, don't forget to take the time to remind them (again) specifically and sincerely why you are grateful.


• The Shout-Out: In some situations a private thank you is appropriate, but in others you can really show your appreciation by announcing how much you appreciate someoneone. Email a (specific and sincere, yes, I'll say it again!) thank you to an assistant or a co-worker and "cc" his or her boss or your mutual manager. How often do people feel they aren't getting the credit that they deserve? Be the solution to this all too common problem!


• The Follow-Through: One of the best ways to thank anyone is to follow through with their suggestions or requests. When a client makes a suggestion about how to make your company should change its procedures they do like to receive a "thank you for your input" note, but how much would they LOVE for you to show results based on their suggestion? "Here's what I've done based on your input." Actions do speak louder than words.

These are just a few, very effective ways to build great networks in your sales career from your first interview to your retirement party. It is guaranteed to make your job less challenging as you will find a thank you pulls everyone over to your side. You're building a mutual appreciation society. You're turning employers, employees, and clients into your biggest fans! Now get out there and starting thanking someone!

Revised: 10/27/2009 - Article Viewed 560 Times

---

Biography

Lynn is a content editor/career writer for Beyond.com and their many niche job search web sites, including salesheads.com. SalesHeads.com offers job postings and resources for those pursuing sales careers.

Contact Information

Lynn Mattoon
Beyond.com
lynnm@beyond.com

Follow Lynn Mattoon

 

---

---